STEP aside Catherine Cookson because an Ellesmere Port author is hoping her latest novel will top the bestseller list.

Pam Clarke's Winds of Despair will shortly be available for loan from libraries and can be bought at selected stores as well as from the book stalls on the town's market.

But Pam, 60, who lives in Princes Road, says getting her second novel into print was no easy task as big publishers dominate this very competitive market.

She said: 'I have always enjoyed writing and often penned stories for my own children. When I took early retirement from my bridal business I became bored and went back to work. But I also spent a couple of hours a week writing.

'My first book was called Tropical Vision, which was written in Barbados while I recovered from illness. Now I've written a trilogy of which Winds of Despair is the first part. I've just been told it's being accepted as suitable for libraries, which is really good news.'

She added: 'Initially I sent the book out to big publishers and one even kept it for eight months and I was told they came very close to publishing it. But it's very difficult breaking into the market although I'm determined and won't give in.'

Winds of Despair tells the tale of Rosie, born out of wedlock in a home for unmarried women in Victorian times. Her mother's dying plea to her best friend, Nancy, is that she promises to look after Rosie. But after being sold by nuns to a high-class brothel Nancy and Rosie face a fight for survival.

Published by Prism Press, Winds of Despair is available, priced #5.99 from Ellesmere Port Market, or by contacting Prism Press on 0151 355 3645.